ASTM D5305-97
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determination of Ethyl Mercaptan in LP-Gas Vapor
Standard Test Method for Determination of Ethyl Mercaptan in LP-Gas Vapor
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a rapid and simple procedure using length of stain tubes for field measurement of ethyl mercaptan in the vapor phase of LP-gas systems. Although length-of-stain tubes are available to detect ethyl mercaptan concentrations in the range of 0.5 to 120 parts per million volume (ppmv), this test method is specifically applicable to systems containing 5 ppmv or more of ethyl mercaptan in LP-gas vapors.
Note 1—A chromatographic technique can be used for more precise, quantitative determination of ethyl mercaptan in LP-gas.
1.2 The values stated in SI (metric) units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or
withdrawn. Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 5305 – 97
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
1
Determination of Ethyl Mercaptan in LP-Gas Vapor
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5305; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers a rapid and simple procedure 4.1 LP-gas is colorless and odorless, and not detectable by
using length of stain tubes for field measurement of ethyl normal human senses. To provide an olfactory warning in the
mercaptan in the vapor phase of LP-gas systems. Although event of a leak, LP-gas intended for domestic or commercial
length-of-stain tubes are available to detect ethyl mercaptan use is intentionally odorized so as to be readily detectable well
concentrations in the range of 0.5 to 120 parts per million below flammable or suffocating concentration levels of LP-gas
volume (ppmv), this test method is specifically applicable to in air. (See Appendix X1.) The most common odorant for
systems containing 5 ppmv or more of ethyl mercaptan in LP-gas is ethyl mercaptan. The field use of this test method will
LP-gas vapors. rapidly determine the presence and concentration of ethyl
mercaptan in LP-gas vapor without the necessity for complex
NOTE 1—A chromatographic technique can be used for more precise,
laboratory equipment.
quantitative determination of ethyl mercaptan in LP-gas.
1.2 The values stated in SI (metric) units are to be regarded
5. Interferences
as the standard.
5.1 Detector tubes can be subject to interferences from
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
materials other than the target substance. Methyl mercaptan
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
will likely interfere with tubes designed to measure ethyl
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
mercaptan. Because of different detection chemistry by differ-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ent manufacturers, interferences can vary. Consult the manu-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
facturer’s instructions for specific interference information and
observe any instructions given.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 Propylene (propene) will cause an interfering (gray)
2.1 NFPA Standard:
discoloration with some tubes designed for ethyl mercaptan.
NFPA 58 Standard for the Storage and Handling of Lique-
LP-gas from natural gas sources usually does not contain
2
fied Petroleum Gases
propylene (propene). However, LP-gas produced in refinery
operations often does contain propylene (propene). Detector
3. Summary of Test Method
tubes calibrated for t-butyl mercaptan eliminate this interfer-
3.1 Using a manually-operated vacuum pump, a sample of
ence, and should be used if the presence of propylene (pro-
LP-gas is drawn through a detector tube made specifically for
pene) is suspected. Some tubes designed for measurement of
detection of mercaptans. The length of stain (color change)
t-butyl mercaptan are calibrated in milligrams per cubic metre
produced in the detector tube when exposed to a measured
3
(mg/m ) and should be converted to ppmv ethyl mercaptan as
volume of sample is directly proportional to the amount of
shown in Annex A1.
ethyl mercaptan present in the sample being tested. The length
of stain produced in the detector tube is converted to concen-
6. Apparatus
tration, in parts per million volume (ppmv), by comparison
6.1 Pump—A manually-operated vacuum pump, capable of
with a calibration scale provided by the manufacturer of the
drawing 100 mL per stroke of sample through the detector tube
stain tubes.
with an accuracy of 62.0 mL.
6.2 Detector Tubes—Sealed tubes, made of glass with
break-off tips sized to fit the orifice of the pump used (tubes
and pumps from different manufacturers should not be inter-
1 changed). The tube used must be appropriate for the determi-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on
nation of ethyl mercaptan and must produce a distinct color
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.H on Liquified Petroleum Gas.
change when exposed to a sample of LP-gas containing ethyl
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1997. Published June 1998. Originally
mercaptan. Any substance known to interfere must be listed in
published as D 5305 - 92. Last previous edition D 5305 - 92.
2
instructions accompanying the tubes (see 5.2). A calibration
Available from N
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